The Disney Blog's Birthday Contest

In honor of John Frost's son's birthday, The Disney Blog is holding a birthday contest. John asks:

Have you ever celebrated your birthday at a Disney theme park? If so, tell us about it.

I can't think of anything I'd rather do on my birthday! Last year, I celebrated my 30th birthday at Disneyland with my dad and sister. I kind of needed the trip to look forward to to alleviate some of the trauma. Plus, I had always wanted to get one of those buttons that says it's your birthday. (I don't know why...usually I try to avoid that type of attention.) We brought some cardboard party hats and wore them on the rides that take your picture. Here are my sister and I on Buzz Lightyear. (Note the intense concentration--I still have not figured out where the camera is on that ride. Also, note the scores: I think that is the only time she's ever beaten me.)

Buzz Lightyear

We had a great lunch at the Blue Bayou, with free chocolate mousse and (not free, but yummy) creme brullee trio. Since we got annual passes for that trip, we are going back again this year close to my birthday, but earlier, of course, so we can go before our passes expire. I think that I may have celebrated my 23rd birthday at the park, too but that was before the buttons and I can't remember for sure if we were there on the exact date. Apparently, 23 is less truamatic and therefore less memorable than 30.

What is your favorite or most useful tip for guests of Disney's theme parks?

Well, I have a lot (go in October or May, take advantage of priority seating for dining, etc), but I think my favorite new "ritual" is to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and then go to Pooh's Hunny Spot for a treat. There are some benches to sit nearby and it's a relatively quiet corner of Critter Country in which to relax for a few minutes and get ready to attack the park again (with a nice sugar rush from your Winnie-the-Pooh rice crispie treat, to boot).

What is your favorite Disney theme park attraction or show and why?

It's really hard to pick just one, but I think I have to go with Peter Pan. In a park filled "magic," I can't think of anything that feels more magical than floating above London and Neverland. I love that it's an original ride and I am experiencing something (or something similar, I know there've been upgrades) that guests experienced in 1955.